Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 22 of 54

18 MAY 2018 SchoolArts
ideas such as space and shape related
to the chosen color scheme.
After the color sketches were com-
pleted, students then discussed their
most effective compositions and
what made the compositions success
-
ful. Upon teacher approval of a final
design, a small canvas was provided
to each student.
2D to 3D
Before students began painting, we
reviewed various techniques includ-
ing care of paintbrushes. Once the
paintings were finished, I explained to
students that they would be turning
their 2D designs into 3D plush toys.
I started by demonstrating the pro-
cess of creating a plush toy.
to use school computers to look for
inspiration. Book and article illustra-
tions as well as animated films pro-
vided needed motivation.
After a brief introduction to for-
mal color schemes, I asked students
to select a color scheme, use colored
pencil or crayons, and apply the
selected scheme to at least two of
their sketches.
Drafting a Composition
Once they had sketched creatures and
experimented with color schemes, I
asked students to draft three compo-
sitions for a future painting. These
compositions required that the crea-
ture show motion in a certain setting
to encourage students to consider art
Students created sewing patterns on
regular copy paper, labeling how many
pieces of felt they needed for each part
and in which colors. They were also
challenged with figuring out where to
add tabs and how the pieces would fit
together. Once a pattern had been
approved, I provided students with fab
-
ric and showed them how to pin their
paper templates to the material for cut
-
ting out the felt pieces.
Sewing a Monster
Students next learned how to split a
thread, thread a needle, and start a
thread by knotting it, a process that
challenged them more than I thought
it would. Students then learned
three types of stitching—running,
Yohan K., Dragon (3D to ), grade eight.